Warning light assembly

ABSTRACT

A warning light for attachment to a vehicle comprising a thermally conductive longitudinally extending base, a plurality of light head mount assemblies, a plurality of LED warning light assemblies, and a plurality of electronic control circuits. Said base has a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges and a pair of ribs projecting perpendicularly from said base. Said light head mount assemblies comprise a bracket and a light head retention shoe. Said bracket has a generally planar bracket first portion and a generally planar bracket second portion oriented perpendicular to said first portion. Said light head shoe has a sole configured to engage said bracket first portion, a rib engaging portion, and a brace extending angularly therebetween. Said LED assemblies are mounted on said bracket second portion. Said dome has a main body portion, sidewalls configured to engage said edges, and end walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to warning lights, and more particularlyto warning light assemblies for use with a motor vehicle.

Warning lights in the form of light bars mounted on emergency vehiclesare well known in the art. Warning lights are utilized on many differenttypes of vehicles to give visual indications of their presence duringemergencies. Warning lights typically comprise an elongated base, aplurality of electronic components, and at least one lens portion. Theelongated base may be provided in the form of an extrusion.

Warning lights are traditionally required by state and federal safetyregulations to produce very bright light with specific color andemission patterns. As a result, the electronic components and warninglight assemblies give off a great deal of heat. Warning lightassemblies, particularly those using light emitting diodes (LEDs), areable to put out less light and can be damaged when operated at highertemperatures.

When used on emergency motor vehicles, warning lights are exposed to awide range of environmental conditions. As dirt, water, and salt maycorrode metal pars, fog the lenses, and destroy electronic components,warning lights must provide a weather-resistant barrier against theelements.

The modern trend is toward compact, low profile, self-contained warninglight assemblies. Given the well-known issues of heat generation andprotection from the elements, modern light bars must simultaneouslyprovide a strong weather-resistant seal while providing an efficientpathway for heat generated within. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,611,270 and6,863,424, assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure areillustrative of warning light assemblies utilizing two differentconfigurations to seal the warning light against the elements andprovide an efficient path to direct heat away from the electroniccomponents.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the disclosure, a warning light for attachmentto a vehicle comprises a thermally conductive longitudinally extendingbase, a plurality of mounting assemblies, a plurality of warning lightassemblies, and at least one light-transmissive dome secured to thebase.

The base has a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges configuredto engage the base and defines a pair of longitudinally extending lighthead shoe retention pockets adjacent to and oriented away from theedges. A pair of longitudinally extending ribs are spaced laterallyinwardly of the retention pockets and project generally perpendicularfrom the base. The ribs terminate in a ridge and have a light head shoeretention lip projecting laterally toward the retention pocket at apoint intermediate the base and the ridge. The light head shoe retentionlip defines a retention channel oriented towards the base.

The plurality of mounting light assemblies generally comprise aplurality of brackets and a corresponding plurality of light headretention shoes. Each of the brackets are constructed of thermallyconductive material, and have a generally planar bracket first portionin contact with the base and a generally planar bracket second portionto support a light generator. The bracket first portion is orientedgenerally perpendicular to the bracket second portion. A plurality ofLEDs are mounted in thermally conductive contact to the bracket secondportion.

Each of the plurality of light head retention shoes has a sole having aleading edge and toes configured to engage the retention pocket of thebase and to maintain the bracket first portion in thermally conductivecontact with the base. A rib engaging portion is located laterallyopposite the foot. The rib engaging portion has a plurality of fingersconfigured to engage the distal ridge and a flexible retention memberconfigured to reversibly engage the retention channel. A brace having aweb and opposed sidewalls extends angularly between the rib engagingportion and the sole. The sidewalls project generally perpendicularlyfrom the web and form a rigid structure.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, thelight-transmissive dome has a generally planar main body portionoriented generally parallel to the base and longitudinally opposed innerand outer ends. Longitudinally extending sidewalls are contiguous withand extend generally perpendicularly from the main body portion, andterminate in a bottom edge. The main body portion defines a shallowlongitudinally extending dome channel sized to receive a longitudinallyextending panel. The outer end has an end wall contiguous with andextending generally perpendicularly from the main body portion, andterminates in a bottom edge. The end wall is oriented contiguous withand generally transverse to the sidewalls. The parallel longitudinaledges define a longitudinally extending dome-securing channel configuredto receive the bottom edge of the longitudinally extending sidewalls anddefine an interior cavity.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, thelongitudinally extending ribs define a center channel sized to receiveat least one PC board and a plurality of arch-shaped bridges. Each ofthe bridges has laterally opposed pairs of feet. A snap fit connectorextends away from the bridge. The snap fit connector is configured toreversibly mate with notch defined on at least one of the ribs.

The bridge also has a PC board retention member which comprises acantilevered snap fit connector. A PC board retention snap workscooperatively with a nub. The nub is configured to engage one of aplurality of locator holes defined on longitudinally opposed ends of thecontrol PC board to secure the control PC board within the centerchannel.

The configuration of the warning light in the current disclosure reducesthe part count and the number of tools required for assembly.Additionally, the modular design of the disclosure gives greaterflexibility in the lay out of the warning light. The light heads may belocated anywhere along the base, since there are no restrictions orfixed points where the hardware must be located to secure the lightheads to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the preferred embodiment will be described in reference tothe Drawings, where like numerals reflect like elements:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the warning light of thepresent disclosure, with particular emphasis on a light head shoe, abracket, and the rib and retention pocket of the base, all othercomponents of the warning light are omitted for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thewarning light of the disclosure, the cross section is depicted asintersecting the warning light intermediate sidewalls of one of thelight head shoes;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the light headretention shoe and the bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the warning light;the generally concave light transmissive dome for a portion of thewarning light is omitted for clarity, a mount to attach the warninglight to a vehicle is also depicted;

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the bracket depicted inFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the bracket configured for use with shoesdisposed at longitudinal ends of the base;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the base having abridge received in a center channel defined intermediate the ribs, thewarning light mount of FIG. 4 is also included;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the underside of the lighttransmissive dome;

FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of the longitudinal ends of the base andthe embodiment of the bracket depicted in FIG. 6 interfacing with alongitudinal end of the base, all other components of the warning lightare omitted for clarity;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bridge depicted in FIG. 7, allother components of the warning light are omitted for clarity;

FIG. 11 shows a side view, partly in perspective, of one embodiment ofan emergency warning light, the warning light mount depicted in FIG. 4is also included;

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the emergency warning light ofFIG. 11, the plurality of LED assemblies, mounting and control circuitshave been omitted for clarity;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the warning lightwith particular emphasis on the interface between one of the sidewallsand the longitudinal edge of the base, the plurality of LED assemblies,mounting and control circuits have been omitted for clarity; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the warning lightwith particular emphasis on the interface between the inner edge of thedome, the dome coupler and the wipe seal, the plurality of LEDassemblies, mounting and control circuits have been omitted for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments of a warning light will now be described with reference tothe Figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout theFIGS. 1-8. FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 depict a warning light 100 for attachment toa vehicle comprises a longitudinally extending base 102 constructed froma thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, the base 102 is analuminum extrusion.

The base 102 has a generally parallel pair of longitudinal edges 104.Laterally inwardly of the longitudinal edges 104, the base 102 defines apair of light head retention pockets 106. The pocket 106 is definedalong substantially the entire length of the base 102. The pockets 106are defined on the base 102 such that the pocket opens generally awayfrom the nearest longitudinal edge 104 toward the center of the base.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7, a pair of ribs 108 extends substantiallythe entire length of the base 102. The ribs 108 project from the base102 intermediate the retention pockets 106, and run longitudinallyparallel with the retention pockets 106 and the edges 104. The ribs 108are equidistantly spaced from a central medial axis A-A (FIG. 4) andprevent warping under the aerodynamic forces that may act on the base byproviding structural support.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the ribs 108 project perpendicularlyfrom the base 102 and terminate in a distal ridge 110. In oneembodiment, the ridge 110 is rounded and runs the length of the base102. A retention lip 112 projects laterally toward the retention pocket106. The retention lip 112 projects from the rib 108 at a pointintermediate the base 102 and the ridge 110.

The retention lip 112 has a ramped cross section having an increasingwidth, as best seen in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Theretention lip 112 defines a retention channel 114 oriented toward thebase 102 and having a generally concave cross-section. The retention lip112 projects along the entire length of the rib 108.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the warning light also has aplurality of brackets 116 constructed from a thermally conductivematerial. Given its thermally conductive characteristics, superiorworkability and cost, in a preferred embodiment, the brackets 116 areconstructed from sheets of aluminum. The brackets 116 have generallyplanar first and second portions 118 and 120, respectively. The bracket116 is configured such that the bracket second portion 120 is orientedgenerally perpendicular to the bracket first portion 118.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 121are mounted in thermally conductive contact to the bracket secondportion 120. In the embodiment of the warning light 100 depicted in FIG.2, the LEDs 121 are mounted to a PC board 123 and are operativelymounted within a reflector 125. Though a PC board 123 and reflector 125are utilized in the embodiment shown, any of a multitude ofconfigurations to mount the LEDs 121 to the bracket 116 may be utilizedwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the bracket firstportion 118 has a stepped configuration. In this embodiment, a ledge 122extends perpendicularly between first and second generally planar steps124 and 126, respectively. The ledge 122 and first and second steps 124and 126 define a plurality of engagement slots 128.

In one embodiment best seen in FIG. 5, the first step 124 has aplurality of laterally projecting retention pocket engaging extensions130. The pocket engaging extensions 130 are constructed to engage theretention pocket 106 on the base 102 to ensure the brackets are securedagainst the base 102 in thermally conductive contact with the base 102.

A plurality of light head retention shoes 132 correspond in number withthe brackets 116, and are best shown in FIGS. 1-4. The shoes 132 areconfigured to engage the brackets 116 to provide a secure connectionbetween the brackets 116 and the base 102. In one embodiment, the shoes132 are molded plastic components.

Each shoe 132 has a sole 134 a leading edge 138, and toes 140 configuredto engage the bracket first portion 118. The sole 134 is orientedgenerally parallel to the base 102, and has a leading edge 138. In oneembodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3), the sole 134 is generally planar. The planarconfiguration of the sole 134 is complementary to the bracket firstportion 118 having a stepped configuration. The sole 134 is configuredto maintain the first step 124 flat against the base 102. A plurality oftoes 140 project from the sole 134 along the leading edge 138. The toes140 are projections configured to engage the pocket 106 of the base 102.The plurality of engagement slots 128 defined by the ledge and first andsecond steps are sized to receive the toes 140 adjacent the extensions130.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the embodiment of the light head shoe 132is correctly installed, the leading edge 138 abuts the bracket ledge122. The toes 140 of the shoe 132 project through the slots and engagethe retention pocket 106, while the leading edge 138 simultaneouslyprovides a retentive force on the bracket first portion in a directionlaterally toward the edge 104 of the base 102. In the embodiment of thebracket 116 having laterally projecting pocket engaging extensions, theretentive force provided by the leading edge 138 additionally causes thepocket engaging extensions 130 to engage the retention pocket 106. Theleading edge thus acts in concert with the pocket engaging extensions130 to provide an additional retentive force on the bracket 116 directedtowards the base 102.

In an embodiment of the light head shoe 132 depicted in FIGS. 1-4, thelight head shoes 132 also have a rib engaging portion 142. Specificallyreferring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the rib engaging portion 142 is configuredlaterally opposite the leading edge 138, and comprises a plurality ofengagement fingers 144 and a flexible retention member 146. Theengagement fingers 144 are designed to engage the ridge 110 of the ribs108. The engagement fingers 144 are configured to complement the shapeof ridge 110. For example, in the embodiment where the ridge 110 isrounded, the fingers have an arch-shaped cross section.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the flexible retention member 146 isdisposed between the engagement fingers 144. The flexible retentionmember 146 is a cantilevered snap fit connector. While the resilientretention member 146 comprises a u-shaped cantilevered snap fitconnector in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, other shapedconfigurations of cantilevered snap fit connectors may be employedwithout departing form the scope of the disclosure.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a brace 148 extendsangularly between the sole 134 and the rib engaging portion 142. Thebrace 148 has a web 150, and a pair of opposed sidewalls 152 projectinggenerally perpendicularly from the web 150 forming a rigid structure. Inone embodiment, the sidewalls 152 are oriented parallel to one another,and extend angularly between the sole 134 and the rib engaging portion142. As shown in FIG. 1, the engagement fingers 144 extend from thesidewalls 152.

In addition to holding the brackets 116 against the base 102, the shoes132 also frictionally secure the brackets 116 longitudinally along thebase 102 adjacent the edge 104. To install the shoe 132 and bracket 116,the bracket first portion 118 is first laid flat against the base 102adjacent the edge 104. The pocket engaging extensions 130 are installedin the pocket 106 and the toes 140 are inserted into the engagementslots 128 adjacent the pocket engaging extensions 130. The toes 140 areinserted into the pocket 106, and the leading edge 138 exerts a force onthe bracket laterally toward the edge 104. The shoe 132 is pivoteddownwardly so that the engagement fingers 144 engage the ridge 110, andthe flexible retention member 146 snaps into the retention channel 114.

A multitude of lighting configurations are possible as a result of thestructural configuration of the base 102, the brackets 116 and the shoes132. Since there are no fixed areas where hardware must be located tosecure light heads to the base, different light patterns may be achievedusing the same mounting apparatus and without perforating the base 102for multiple mounting hardware configurations. Different LEDs andoptical elements may also be used to change the pattern of the lightemitted without changing the brackets 116 or the shoes 132.

FIGS. 4, 6 and 9 show one embodiment of the bracket 116 specificallyconfigured for use with light head shoes 132 disposed at longitudinalends 153 of the base 102. In this embodiment, the bracket 116 includes athird bracket portion 154. The third bracket portion 154 is configuredadjacent to and extends angularly away from the second bracket portion120, and oriented generally transverse to the bracket first portion 118.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 10, the warning light 100 includes anarch-shaped bridge 156. The bridge 156 extends between laterally opposedpairs of feet 158. As best seen in FIG. 7, in this embodiment the ribs108 define a center channel 160 laterally opposite the light head shoeretention lips 112. The center channel 160 receives at least one PCboard 162 configured to selectively energize the LEDs (not shown).

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the bridge 156 has at least one snapfit connector 164 that extends axially away from the feet 158. The snapfit connector 164 includes a laterally projecting protrusion 166 at eachlateral end. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the protrusion 166 reversiblymates with a longitudinal fixation notch 168 defined on the ribs 108.

The bridge 156 has a PC board retention member 170 including acantilevered snap 172 which cooperates with a nub 174 to secure the PCboard 162 within the center channel 160. A plurality of locator holes176 are defined on longitudinally opposed ends of the PC board 162 andsized to receive the nub 174. The cantilevered snap 172 has a barb 178,which prevents the locator holes 176 from dislodging from the nub 174 toretain the PC board 162 in a fixed location relative to the base 102.

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the feet 158 have laterallyextending tabs 180 extending inwardly and outwardly. In this embodiment,the base 102 defines a pair of tracks 181 defined intermediate andrunning longitudinally parallel with the ribs 108 (FIG. 7). The tracks181 are configured to receive the laterally extending tabs 180 andsecure the bridge 156 to the base 102.

Referring to FIGS. 8, and 11-14, a generally light transmissive dome 182is operatively connectable to the base 102 to define an enclosure. Inone embodiment, the dome 182 has a main body portion 184 orientedgenerally parallel to the base 102. The main body portion 184 defines alongitudinally extending dome channel 186 which extends betweenlongitudinally opposed outer and inner ends 188 and 190, respectively(FIG. 11) on top of the warning light. In one embodiment, the domechannel 186 spans a majority of the lateral width of the dome 182.

A panel 187 is received in the dome channel 186. In one embodiment, thepanel 187 is opaque, and obscures views of the internal components ofthe warning light. The panel 187 may also act as a sunshade, to preventradiant energy from the sun's rays from heating up the interior of thelight bar. As disclosed, the panel 187 is secured to the dome 182 by aplurality of fasteners 189 extending through the dome to engagereceptacles on the bridges 191 (FIG. 10). The panel 187 is extrudedaluminum, though a plurality of other suitable materials may be used.

As best seen in FIGS. 11-13, sidewalls 192 extend the length of the dome182, between the outer and inner ends of the dome 188 and 190. Thesidewalls 192 are contiguous with and extend generally perpendicularfrom the main body 184, and terminate in a bottom edge 194. As shown inFIGS. 8, 12 and 13, a bottom wall portion 196 projects generallyperpendicularly inwardly from the sidewall 192. In this embodiment, thebottom edge 194 is defined at the laterally inward most portion of thebottom wall 196.

In an embodiment of the dome 182 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 11, an end wall198 located at the first terminal end 188 projects generallyperpendicularly away from the main body portion 184. The end wall 198terminates in a bottom edge 200 which includes fastener apertures 208.The end wall 198 is oriented generally transverse to the sidewalls 192,and the end wall 198 and end wall bottom edge 200 are contiguous withthe sidewalls 192 and sidewall bottom edge 196, respectively.

The dome 182 is configured to reversibly mate with the longitudinallyextending base 102. In one embodiment best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, thelongitudinal edge 104 of the base 102 defines a longitudinally extendingdome-securing channel 204, which runs the length of the base 102. Thesidewall bottom edges 194 are configured such that the dome-securingchannel 204 receives the sidewall bottom edges 194, securing the dome182 to the base 102. To secure the dome 182 to the base 102, thesidewall bottom edges 194 at the inner end 190 are first inserted intothe dome-securing channel 204. Once the sidewall bottom edges 194 areintroduced into the dome-securing channel 204, the dome 182 slideslongitudinally on the base 102 until the end wall bottom edge 200 abutsone of the longitudinal ends 153 of the base 102.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sidewall bottom edge 194 has aninterrupted rail 202, which projects away from the sidewall bottom edge194. The rail 202 is sized to fit in the dome-securing channel 204 andensures a secure connection between the dome 182 and the base 102 alongthe edges 104. The rail 202 is configured to reduce friction between therail 202 and the dome-securing channel 204 during installation of thedome 182.

As shown in FIG. 13, a lip 206 which projects downwardly away from thesidewall bottom edge 194 adjacent the rail 202 may also be provided. Thelip 206 further ensures that the elements do not penetrate the interiorof the warning light 100. The lip 206 extends along the front and rearedges of the light bar 100 to direct moisture away from the channel 204.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, a plurality of fasteners 205 areutilized to ensure a secure connection between the dome 182 and the base102. As best seen in FIG. 8, the end wall bottom edge 200 defines aplurality of fastener holes 208. The fastener holes 208 are defined onthe end wall bottom edge 200 such that they align with fastenerreceptacles 210 defined on the base 102 (FIG. 12).

As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 10, the bridges 156 are configured tocooperate with fasteners 189 to secure the dome 182 and the panel 187 tothe base. As best seen in FIG. 10, a plurality of fastener receptacles191 project axially from the feet 158 of the arch shaped bridge 156. Thereceptacles 191 are sized to receive the fasteners 189 and hold the mainbody portion 184 and the panel 187 against the base 102. The receptacles191 and fasteners 189 work in concert with the dome 182, panel 187, andbase 102 to maintain the original shape of the warning light 100,despite aerodynamic forces that act on warning lights when vehiclestravel at high speeds.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the warning light 100 has two generallylight transmissive domes 182. The domes 182 are installed on the base102 such that the inner longitudinal ends 190 of the dome are orientedtoward one another. The inner longitudinal ends 190 of the domes 182 arereceived in a dome coupler 212 when the longitudinal fasteners aresecured to the dome securing pockets 210.

The dome coupler 212 has the same sectional configuration as the innerends 190 of the dome 182. As seen in FIG. 14, dome coupler 212 defines ageneral I-beam configuration when viewed in longitudinal section. Thedome coupler 212 includes a wipe seal 214 which is configured to receivethe inner ends 190 of the domes 182. The wipe seal 214 ensures a secure,weather-resistant connection between the dome coupler 212 and the innerends 190 of the domes 182.

In this embodiment, the domes 182 and the dome coupler 212 areconfigured to provide a secure, weather-resistant connection with thebase 102, even if the length of the base 102 varies. The dome coupler212 and wipe seal 214 ensure a weather-tight seal is created with theinner ends 190 of the domes 182, even if the base 102 is longer thanintended.

While a preferred embodiment has been set forth for purposes ofillustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed alimitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications,adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimedcoverage.

What is claimed is:
 1. A warning light for attachment to a vehiclecomprising: a thermally conductive longitudinally extending base havinga pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges, a pair oflongitudinally extending ribs spaced laterally inwardly of saidlongitudinal edges and projecting generally perpendicularly from saidbase terminating in a distal ridge; and wherein said pair of ribs definea center channel sized to receive at least one PC board and a pluralityof arch-shaped bridges, each of said bridges having laterally opposedpairs of feet, a snap fit connector extending away from said bridge andconfigured to reversibly mate with a longitudinal fixation notch definedon at least one of said ribs, said laterally opposed pairs of feet eachhaving laterally extending base engagement tabs and said base definesopposed tracks configured to receive said engagement tabs, said bridgehaving a PC board retention member comprising a snap workingcooperatively with a nub configured to engage one of a plurality oflocator holes defined on longitudinally opposed ends of said control PCboard to secure said control PC board within said center channelintermediate said bridges.
 2. The warning light of claim 1 furthercomprising; at least one light transmissive dome secured to saidlongitudinal edges, wherein said bridges define a plurality of fastenerreceptacles and said dome defines a plurality of fastener holes, saidfastener receptacles and said fastener holes configured to cooperativelyengage a fastener, and wherein each of said bridges and said dome aresized such that affixing said fasteners to said fastener receptaclessecures said dome to said base intermediate said longitudinal edges. 3.The warning light of claim 1, comprising; a plurality of bracketsconstructed of thermally conductive material having a generally planarbracket first portion and a generally planar bracket second portionoriented generally perpendicular to said bracket first portion; aplurality of light head retention shoes corresponding in number withsaid brackets, each light head shoe having a sole configured to maintainsaid bracket first portion in thermally conductive contact with saidbase, and a brace having a web and opposed sidewalls projectinggenerally perpendicularly from said main body, wherein said shoes areoperatively retained intermediate one of said ribs and one of saidlongitudinal edges; wherein said base defines a pair of longitudinallyextending light head retention pockets adjacent to and orientedlaterally away from said longitudinal edges and each of said ribs has aretention lip projecting laterally toward said retention pocket at apoint intermediate said base and said distal ridge and defining aretention channel oriented toward said base; and each of said shoes hasa rib engaging portion laterally opposite said sole having a pluralityof fingers configured to engage said distal ridge and a flexibleretention member configured to reversibly engage said retention channel,said sole of each shoe configured to engage said retention pocket ofsaid base, and said brace sidewalls extend angularly between said ribengaging portion and said sole, thereby forming a rigid structure. 4.The warning light of claim 3, wherein said sole is generally planar andoriented generally parallel to said base and has a leading edge and aplurality of toes projecting from said sole along said leading edge,said bracket first portion has a stepped configuration such that a ledgeextends generally perpendicular between first and second generallyplanar steps, said ledge and first and second steps defining a pluralityof engagement slots configured to receive said toes, and wherein saidsole maintains said first step in generally flat thermally conductivecontact against said base said leading edge abuts said bracket ledgeproviding a retentive force on said bracket first portion in a directionlaterally toward said longitudinal edge of said base and said toesextend through said slots and engage said retention pocket.
 5. Thewarning light of claim 4, wherein said first step has a plurality oflaterally projecting retention pocket engaging extensions configuredadjacent said engagement slots, and wherein said leading edge maintainssaid engaging extensions in said retention pocket.
 6. The warning lightof claim 3, wherein said plurality of brackets and light head retentionshoes are juxtaposed along an entire length of each longitudinal edgesuch that said plurality of LEDs provide an unbroken pattern of lightalong said entire length.
 7. The warning light of claim 6, wherein lightheads configured at longitudinal ends of said base have a bracket thirdportion adjacent to and extending angularly away from said bracketsecond portion and oriented generally transverse to said bracket firstportion.
 8. A warning light for attachment to a vehicle comprising: agenerally planar thermally conductive longitudinally extending basehaving a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges and a pair oflongitudinally opposed ends; at least one light transmissive dome havinga generally planar main body portion oriented generally parallel to saidbase, longitudinally opposed inner and outer ends, and sidewallscontiguous with and extending generally perpendicularly from saidgenerally planar main body portion terminating in a bottom edge, saidmain body portion defining a shallow longitudinally extending domechannel, wherein said outer terminal end has an end wall contiguous withand extending generally perpendicularly from said main body portion andterminating in a bottom edge, said end wall oriented contiguous with andgenerally transverse to said sidewalls; a longitudinally extending panelsized to be received in said dome channel; wherein said longitudinaledges define a longitudinally extending dome-securing channel configuredto receive said bottom edge of said sidewalls such that said lighttransmissive dome is longitudinally slideable along said base betweensaid inner and outer ends, and wherein longitudinally sliding said domealong said base until said bottom edge of said end wall is configuredadjacent one of said longitudinally opposed ends of said base defines aninterior cavity; a plurality of LED warning light assemblies installedin said interior cavity of the warning light; a plurality of mountingassemblies for fixing said LED warning light assemblies in the interiorcavity of the warning light; and a plurality of control circuits forselectively energizing the LED warning light assemblies.
 9. The warninglight of claim 8, wherein a bottom wall projects laterally inwardly fromand generally perpendicular to said sidewalls at an end opposite saiddome main body portion, said sidewall bottom edge is disposed on saidbottom wall at an end laterally opposite said sidewall, wherein saiddome-securing channel is configured to receive said sidewall bottomedges.
 10. The warning light of claim 9, wherein said sidewall bottomedges have an interrupted rail projecting away from said bottom wall anda longitudinally extending lip configured adjacent said interrupted railprojects away from said bottom wall.
 11. The warning light of claim 8,wherein at least two light transmissive domes are slideable along saidbase, said inner ends are oriented towards one another, and wherein saidinner ends are received in a dome coupler attached to said longitudinalbase edges said dome coupler having an I-beam configuration when viewedin longitudinal section and having a configuration substantiallyidentical to said inner ends of said domes, and wherein said base,domes, and bridge seal define said interior cavity.
 12. The warninglight of claim 11, wherein each side of said I-beam of said dome couplerincludes a wipe seal having a configuration substantially identical tosaid dome coupler for providing a weather-resistant connection to saidinner ends of said dome, and said end wall bottom edge defines aplurality of holes configured to cooperate with fasteners tolongitudinally secure said domes to a plurality of fastener receptaclesdefined on said base.
 13. The warning light of claim 12, wherein saidfeet each have laterally extending base engagement tabs and said basedefines laterally opposed tracks configured to receive said engagementtabs.
 14. The warning light of claim 8, wherein said base has a pair oflongitudinally extending ribs spaced laterally inwardly of saidlongitudinal edges and projecting generally perpendicularly from saidbase defining a center channel sized to receive at least one control PCboard and a plurality of arch-shaped bridges, each of said bridgeshaving laterally opposed pairs of feet, a snap fit connector extendingaway from said bridges configured to reversibly mate with a longitudinalfixation notch defined on at least one of said ribs, a PC boardretention member disposed on said bridges comprising a snap workingcooperatively with a nub configured to engage one of a plurality oflocator holes defined on longitudinally opposed ends of said control PCboard to secure said control PC board within said center channelintermediate said bridges.
 15. The warning light of claim 14, whereinsaid dome and said panel define a plurality of through holes sized toreceive a plurality of fasteners, said through holes and fasteners sizedto cooperate with a plurality of dome fastener receptacles which projectgenerally perpendicularly from said bridges to secure said dome and saidinsert to said base intermediate said edges.
 16. The warning light ofclaim 8, wherein said plurality of light head mounting assemblies eachcomprises a bracket constructed of thermally conductive material havinga generally planar bracket first portion and a generally planar bracketsecond portion oriented generally perpendicular to said bracket firstportion, and a light head retention shoe having a sole configured tomaintain said bracket first portion in thermally conductive contact withsaid base, and a brace having a web and opposed sidewalls projectinggenerally perpendicularly from said main body, wherein said shoes areoperatively retained intermediate one of said ribs and one of saidlongitudinal edges, and wherein said LED warning light assemblies aremounted to said bracket first portion.
 17. The warning light of claim16, wherein said base defines a pair of longitudinally extending lighthead retention pockets adjacent to and oriented laterally away from saidlongitudinal edges and each of said ribs terminates in a distal ridge,said ribs have a retention lip projecting laterally toward saidretention pocket at a point intermediate said base and said distal ridgeand defining a retention channel oriented toward said base; and each ofsaid shoes has a rib engaging portion laterally opposite said solehaving a plurality of fingers configured to engage said distal ridge anda flexible retention member configured to reversibly engage saidretention channel, said sole of each shoe configured to engage saidretention pocket of said base, and said brace sidewalls extend angularlybetween said rib engaging portion and said sole, thereby forming a rigidstructure.
 18. The warning light of claim 17, wherein said sole isplanar and oriented generally parallel to said base and has a leadingedge and a plurality of toes projecting laterally from said sole alongsaid leading edge, said bracket first portion has a steppedconfiguration such that a ledge extends generally perpendicular betweenfirst and second generally planar steps, said ledge and first and secondsteps defining a plurality of engagement slots configured to receivesaid toes, and wherein said sole maintains said first step in generallyflat thermally conductive contact against said base said leading edgeabuts said bracket ledge providing a retentive force on said bracketfirst portion in a direction laterally toward said longitudinal edge ofsaid base and said toes extend through said slots and engage saidretention pocket.
 19. The warning light of claim 18, wherein said firststep has a plurality of laterally projecting retention pocket engagingextensions configured adjacent said engagement slots, and wherein saidleading edge maintains said engaging extensions in said retentionpocket.
 20. The warning light of claim 17, wherein said plurality ofbrackets and light head retention shoes are juxtaposed along an entirelength of each longitudinal edge such that said plurality of LEDsprovide an unbroken pattern of light along said entire length.
 21. Thewarning light of claim 20, wherein light heads configured atlongitudinal ends of said base have a bracket third portion adjacent toand extending angularly away from said bracket second portion andoriented generally transverse to said bracket first portion.
 22. Thewarning light of claim 17, wherein the flexible retention member is acantilevered snap fit connector.
 23. The warning light of claim 22,wherein the cantilevered snap fit connector is a u-shaped cantileveredsnap fit connector.
 24. A warning light assembly comprising: a thermallyconductive longitudinally extending base having a longitudinal edgedefining a longitudinal channel having a slot-shaped opening facing awayfrom said longitudinal edge, a floor between said slot-shaped openingand an upstanding rib spaced laterally inward from said longitudinalchannel, a longitudinally extending retention pocket defined betweensaid rib and longitudinal channel; a bracket constructed of thermallyconductive material, said bracket having a configuration complementaryto said retention pocket and including a bracket upstanding portion, abracket base portion configured to engage said floor in thermallyconductive contact, and a bracket forward extension projecting into saidslot-shaped opening, a bracket intermediate portion extending betweensaid upstanding portion and said base portion defining at least oneaperture aligned with said slot-shaped opening; a plurality of lightemitting diodes mounted to said bracket upstanding portion in thermallyconductive relation thereto; and a shoe having a sole configured toengage the base portion of said bracket, a toe arranged to extendthrough said aperture into said longitudinal channel, said shoeincluding a retainer laterally opposite said toe and positioned toengage said upstanding rib, wherein said bracket is intermediate saidshoe and said base, with the toe of said shoe extending through saidaperture into said longitudinal channel and said retainer engaging saidupstanding rib so that said shoe retains said bracket to said base in afixed longitudinal position relative to said base and said sole exertsdownward force on said bracket base portion to enhance thermal contactbetween said bracket base portion and said floor whereby heat generatedby said plurality of light emitting diodes is transmitted to said base.25. The warning light assembly of claim 24, wherein said base isconstructed of metal and has a substantially constant cross section. 26.The warning light assembly of claim 24 further comprising; at least onelight-transmissive dome secured to said longitudinal edges, wherein saidbase is symmetrical and includes a pair of longitudinal edges defining apair of longitudinal channels with inward facing slot-shaped openingsand a pair of upstanding ribs, said pair of upstanding ribs defining acenter channel along a longitudinal center line of said base.
 27. Thewarning light assembly of claim 26, wherein said ribs define a centerchannel sized to receive at least one control PC board and a pluralityof arch-shaped bridges, each of said bridges having laterally opposedpairs of feet, at least one snap fit connector extending away from saidbridge and configured to reversibly mate with a longitudinal fixationnotch defined on at least one of said ribs, each of said bridges havingat least one PC board retention member comprising a snap workingcooperatively with a nub configured to engage one of a plurality oflocator holes defined on longitudinally opposed ends of said control PCboard to secure said control PC board within said center channelintermediate said bridges.
 28. The warning light assembly of claim 27,wherein said bridges define a plurality of fastener receptacles and saiddome defines a plurality of fastener holes, said fastener receptaclesand said fastener holes configured to cooperatively engage a fastener,and wherein each of said bridges and said dome are sized such thataffixing said fasteners to said fastener receptacles secures said dometo said base intermediate the longitudinal edges.
 29. The warning lightof claim assembly 27, wherein said laterally opposed pairs of feet eachhave laterally extending base engagement tabs and said base definesopposed tracks configured to receive said engagement tabs.
 30. Thewarning light assembly of claim 24, wherein said upstanding ribterminates at a distal ridge above said floor and includes a shoeengagement feature complementary to said retainer so that when saidretainer is engaged with said shoe engagement feature, said shoe andbracket are retained in a substantially fixed longitudinal positionrelative to said base.
 31. The warning light assembly of claim 30,wherein said shoe engagement feature comprises a retention lipprojecting laterally toward said longitudinal edge and said retainer isconfigured to engage said lip.
 32. The warning light assembly of claim31, wherein said retainer is flexible and biased toward said upstandingridge so that insertion of said toe through said aperture and pivotingof said shoe downwardly moves said retainer past said lip where it isengaged beneath said lip.
 33. The warning light assembly of claim 32,wherein the retainer is a cantilevered snap fit connector.
 34. Thewarning light assembly of claim 33, wherein the cantilevered snap fitconnector is a u-shaped cantilevered snap fit connector.
 35. The warninglight assembly of claim 24, wherein said plurality of brackets and shoesare juxtaposed along an entire length of the longitudinal edge such thatsaid plurality of LEDs provide an unbroken pattern of light along saidentire length.